bailiff
an officer, similar to a sheriff or a sheriff's deputy, employed to execute writs and processes, make arrests, keep order in the court, etc.
(in Britain) a person charged with local administrative authority, or the chief magistrate in certain towns.
(especially in Britain) an overseer of a landed estate or farm.
Origin of bailiff
1Other words from bailiff
- bail·iff·ship, noun
- sub·bail·iff, noun
- un·der·bail·iff, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use bailiff in a sentence
The 26 were beaten by the bailiffs as they filed into a caged dock, sobbing, on Dec. 21.
Sisi Is Persecuting, Prosecuting, and Publicly Shaming Egypt’s Gays | Bel Trew | December 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThe bailiffs and police returned the following morning and dismantled the entire camp.
The place of the Master seems to have been filled, in some sort at least, by the bailiffs of the town.
The Influence and Development of English Gilds | Francis Aiden HibbertWhen the town bell rings the alarum members of the Gild are to go to the help of the Bailiffs only.
The Influence and Development of English Gilds | Francis Aiden HibbertStarosts were Poles of high birth, appointed as bailiffs or vice-governors of the various districts and provinces.
THE case of this fellow may prove a wholesome lesson to some of the constables and bailiffs of the present day.
The Chronicles of Crime or The New Newgate Calendar. v. 1/2 | Camden PelhamOn entering his apartments, the business agent was greatly surprised to find bailiffs proceeding to levy upon his furniture.
Brother Jacques (Novels of Paul de Kock, Volume XVII) | Charles Paul de Kock
British Dictionary definitions for bailiff
/ (ˈbeɪlɪf) /
British the agent or steward of a landlord or landowner
a sheriff's officer who serves writs and summonses, makes arrests, and ensures that the sentences of the court are carried out
mainly British (formerly) a high official having judicial powers
mainly US an official having custody of prisoners appearing in court
Origin of bailiff
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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